Ready for some serious rod-bending action in the Florida Keys? You've come to the right place. Our 4 to 8-hour inshore fishing charters out of Marathon are the real deal. We're talking prime fishing grounds just a stone's throw from shore, where the reefs and wrecks are teeming with gamefish that'll put your skills to the test. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to feel that heart-pounding thrill of a big hookup, we've got you covered.
Here's the lowdown: We run half-day to full-day trips that'll have you fishing the hot spots in both the Atlantic and the Gulf. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some of the best fishing Marathon has to offer. We're set up to handle groups of 4 to 6 anglers, perfect for a family outing or a day out with your buddies. And get this - all the gear you need is on us. Just bring your game face and maybe a sandwich or two, and we'll take care of the rest.
When we say inshore, we're talking about a smorgasbord of fishing opportunities. We'll hit the flats, cruise along the mangroves, and even venture out to some nearshore reefs and wrecks. Our go-to techniques? We'll do it all - from light tackle finesse fishing for snapper to trolling for hard-fighting pelagics like kingfish and mahi-mahi. Bottomfishing for grouper? You bet. And if the conditions are right, we might even break out the fly rods for some sight fishing action. It's all about what's biting and what you're itching to catch.
"An awesome time for four total beginners! The crew was top-notch, and the boat was in excellent shape." - Janet
"Captain Johnny and Nick were fantastic! There were six of us on board, and everyone had a great time. We even enjoyed our fresh catch for lunch at the Key Fishery Restaurant right at the marina. Awesome experience all around!" - Gary
"What an awesome trip! The crew was fantastic — laid-back, calm, and made everything feel easy with no pressure. We hit our limit on yellowtail, and their recommendation to have it prepared at Lazy Days was spot on. Couldn't have asked for a better day!" - Joseph
Red Grouper: These bottom-dwelling bruisers are a staple of the Florida Keys fishing scene. They love to hang around structure and put up one heck of a fight. Best targeted in the cooler months, red grouper can grow up to 50 pounds, though most keeper-sized fish are in the 5-15 pound range. Anglers love 'em for their hard-pulling nature and top-notch table fare.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their size fool you - these speedsters punch well above their weight class. Bonito are like miniature tuna, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're most active in the spring and fall, and while they're not the best eating, they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Look for them busting bait on the surface for some exciting topwater action.
Wahoo: If you're after pure speed, wahoo are your ticket. These streamlined predators are like the cheetahs of the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. They're a prized catch year-round, but peak season is in the winter months. Wahoo are known for their spectacular runs and delicious white meat. Landing one of these bad boys is always a highlight of any trip.
Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, 'cudas are the gangsters of the reef. They're abundant year-round and can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 5 feet in length. While not typically kept for eating, barracuda offer an exciting fight and often put on a show with their aerial displays. They're a blast to target on topwater lures or by trolling.
Black Grouper: The heavyweight champion of the grouper family in these parts, black grouper are the stuff of fishing dreams. These brutes can tip the scales at over 100 pounds and are known for their powerful initial run towards structure. They're most active in the summer months and are highly prized for both their fight and their flaky white meat. Landing a big black grouper is a true trophy experience.
Look, whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who can barely tell a rod from a reel, we've got you covered. Our trips are all about having a good time and putting you on fish. No extra fuel charges, no hidden fees - just straight-up fishing action in one of the best spots in the Keys. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give us a shout, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back for more. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked - pun absolutely intended!
May 6, 2025
Captain Johnny and Nick were fantastic! There were six of us on board, and everyone had a great time. We even enjoyed our fresh catch for lunch at the Key Fishery Restaurant right at the marina. Awesome experience all around!
April 24, 2024
What an awesome trip! The crew was fantastic — laid-back, calm, and made everything feel easy with no pressure. We hit our limit on yellowtail, and their recommendation to have it prepared at Lazy Days was spot on. Couldn’t have asked for a better day!
March 16, 2024
We had an awesome day on the water — all six of us caught fish! Ended the trip with 36 in total plus two sharks. The crew was friendly, helpful, and really made the experience enjoyable. When we got back to the dock, it was clear we had one of the most successful trips out there. Highly recommend!
December 22, 2022
The bite was a bit slow, but Captain Jim and Chance gave it their all to get us on the fish. They were dedicated, hardworking, and made sure we were having a good time throughout the trip. While we didn’t catch as much as we hoped, their effort never let up. Highly recommend this crew for a fun and well-run fishing experience!
July 5, 2022
Had such an amazing experience with Johnny Maddox and Dylan. Both very knowledgeable and experienced. Johnny kept it entertaining while Dylan worked hard to keep us always ready to fish. Had a blast!
December 30, 2019
The great barracuda is a torpedo-shaped predator that'll get your heart racing. These silver speedsters can hit 35 mph in short bursts and grow up to 6 feet long. You'll spot them patrolling reefs, wrecks, and grass flats in shallow coastal waters. They hunt by sight and often swim in small groups. Barracuda fishing heats up in summer when they move inshore. Anglers love their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. While rarely eaten, they put up an exciting fight on light tackle. To catch one, use shiny lures or live bait fished near the surface. A wire leader is a must to prevent cutoffs from those razor-sharp teeth. Keep your fingers clear when landing them - they've been known to snap at anglers. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to cruising 'cudas in clear shallows.
Black groupers are reef-dwelling powerhouses that'll test your angling skills. These olive-gray ambush predators typically grow 2-3 feet long but can reach a whopping 5 feet and 125 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks and ledges from 30-300 feet deep, using their huge mouths to inhale prey whole. Spring and fall are prime seasons to target black grouper. Anglers love the stubborn, powerful fight they put up when hooked. Their mild, firm meat is also highly prized. To land one, use heavy tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag. Drop your bait right to the bottom where they hang out. Once you feel a tug, crank that reel fast - don't let them dive back into structure and break you off. Be ready for an arm-burning battle to pull these brutes up from the depths.
Wahoo are the greyhounds of the sea - long, sleek and built for speed. These blue-striped missiles can hit 60 mph in short bursts and grow up to 8 feet long. You'll find them in open waters around wrecks, reefs and floating debris. They're often solitary but sometimes hunt in small packs. Wahoo fishing peaks from July to November in Florida. Anglers love their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their firm, white meat is also excellent eating. To catch one, troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through mono. Lures that mimic flying fish or squid work well. Once hooked, hang on tight and be ready for smoking runs. Getting a big wahoo to the boat is always an adrenaline rush. For best results, look for temperature breaks and areas of bait concentration offshore.
Black groupers are powerful reef dwellers that'll test your skills. These olive-gray fish with dark blotches typically grow 2-3 feet long, but can reach a whopping 5 feet and 125 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 30-300 feet of water. They're ambush predators, using their big mouths to inhale prey whole. Spring and fall are prime seasons to target black grouper. Anglers love the fight - these fish put up a stubborn battle when hooked. Their mild, firm meat is also prized for the dinner table. To land one, use heavy tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag. Drop your bait right to the bottom where they hang out. Once you feel a tug, crank that reel fast - don't let them dive back into the rocks and break you off. Be ready for a workout reeling these bruisers up from the depths.
Black groupers are bruisers of the reef, packing serious muscle into their stout bodies. These olive-colored ambush predators typically grow 2-3 feet long but can reach a mammoth 5 feet and 125 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks and ledges from 30-300 feet deep, where they use their huge mouths to inhale prey whole. Spring and fall are prime seasons to target black grouper. Anglers love the stubborn, powerful fight they put up when hooked. Their mild, firm meat is also highly prized. To land one, use stout tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag. Drop your bait right to the bottom where they hang out. Once you feel a tug, crank that reel fast - don't let them dive back into structure and break you off. Be ready for an arm-burning battle to pull these brutes up from the depths.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
An awesome time for four total beginners! The crew was top-notch, and the boat was in excellent shape.